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Quick thoughts on preseason Top 25 and early All-American and All-Big Ten nominations

TraeWaynes-WRmichaelRector.jpeg

Michigan State rising junior Trae Waynes was more than adequate holding down the corner opposite of Darqueze Dennard last season. Waynes is a possible preseason All-American, and at the very least, shoo-in for preseason All-Big Ten honors.
(Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)

EAST LANSING — The Associated Press Top 25 ballots aren't due for at least four more months, so there's plenty of time to ponder how to shape the vote allocated to me through MLive.com/Grand Rapids Press.

Does Michigan State belong higher in the preseason poll than the rest of the Big Ten teams?

The Spartans beat every Big Ten opponent by double digits, an unprecedented feat.

But that was last season.

Michigan State loses six defensive starters, including arguably the best cornerback in the nation in Darqueze Dennard and the face of the program in two-time All-Big Ten middle linebacker Max Bullough.

What about Ohio State? The Buckeyes have QB Braxton Miller coming back, but Ryan Shazier, a linebacker who was "nasty" is the most flattering of football ways, is gone, and so is that raging bull of a tailback, Carlos Hyde.

It seems Michigan is always in the preseason Top 25, and surely Michigan can get that offensive line fixed once it's healthy, right? Doug Nussmeir was an impressive hire.

How about Wisconsin? The Badgers are seemingly always there to ring the bell, and head coach Gary Andersen was pretty impressive throughout most of his first season.

Nebraska — can't forget the Cornhuskers. Coach Bo Pelini finished with a bowl win over Georgia, and his offense fared well against college football's No. 1 defense in 2013. Pelini said Nebraska will run on Spartans successfully again this season.

If James Franklin could turn Vanderbilt into a winner in the mighty SEC, it's logical to think he can elevate Penn State in the Big Ten.

There are six Big Ten teams that are candidates for my preseason Top 25, and I'll be keeping an eye on Iowa, Minnesota and Indiana, too.

There's still plenty more time to think about it, more time to look closer, hear the coaches campaign and compare notes with other scribes.

Preseason All-American and All-Conference teams, however, are already beginning to take shape.

One major publication has sought out my "nominations" from Michigan State for All-American and All-Big Ten, and there will be more radio shows and national media calling for some insight in the next few months if the past 20 years is an indicator.

My thoughts on Michigan State, based on last season and what's been learned of how players have performed in the offseason workouts and spring drills, are as follows:

First Team All-American nominations

DE Shilique Calhoun — Shilique is a slam-dunk after earning second-team All-American and Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year honors last season.

P Mike Sadler — One of the better averages in the nation and an uncanny ability to drop punts inside opponents' 10-yard line. Sadler is a preseason favorite for the Ray Guy Award, too.

CB Trae Waynes — Narduzzi says Waynes hasn't blinked wrong since taking over starting duties a year ago. With State's defensive line looking to take a step up in its second year under Ron Burton, that's less time Waynes will be in coverage.

Second Team All-American nominations

FS Kurtis Drummond — Remember that one-handed catch that made SportsCenter?Preseason voters will, and they'll see Drummond named a captain, soon. Drummond has had one of the best offseasons on the team, and Mark Dantonio is high on him.

RB Jeremy Langford — Langford looks good at 210 pounds, and based on footage of him taking a screen 38 yards for a TD in Friday's scrimmage, he hasn't lost a step. Most importantly, Langford is hungry.

First-Team All-Big Ten nominations

C Jack Allen — Mean guy on the football field, experienced, good blocker.

LB Taiwan Jones — Mike Tressel says Jones has the right attitude. We already know he has the physical skills.

Other candidates that could emerge by the end of spring (we'll know more after we get to see them play): WRs Tony Lippett, Macgarrett Kings, Keith Mumphery, Aaron Burbridge; DTs Joel Heath, Damon Knox, Lawrence Thomas; OLBs Darien Harris (OLB Ed Davis likely out spring).